Tata Motors ties up with Amazon to bring Alexa to new range of SUVs

Automaker Tata Motors on October 17 launched its upgraded flagship sports utility vehicle 'Safari' (top) and the premium SUV 'Harrier' equipped with a host of features, including seven airbags as standard fitment.

Tata Motors has partnered with Amazon to introduce Alexa to its newly launched range of vehicles, which includes the Nexon.ev, the Harrier, and the Safari, the auto manufacturer said on October 19. This integration would allow customers to access additional functionality in their vehicles with straightforward voice commands, while still paying attention to the road, the company said.

Alexa can be used to control the temperature, adjust the brightness of the screen, and open and close the car's sunroof. Users can also use Alexa to control the surround-view camera of their Tata cars, allowing for improved manoeuvrability, increased safety and a more enjoyable driving experience.

Dilip RS, Director and Country Manager for Alexa, Amazon India, said, "With Alexa AI, we have unlocked the potential of voice interactions to seamlessly integrate into our customers' daily lives. This collaboration with Tata Motors will enable customers to continue experiencing much of what they know and love about Alexa from their home, in their Tata Motors vehicles, with added functionality for car controls and navigation."

Sven Patuschka, vice president and CTO, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd & Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd, said while safety remained key, the advent of connected tech features was a fast-growing requirement of customers. "With this introduction, our intent has been clearly towards making our customer’s drive experience more convenient and an extension of their homes," he said.

Tata Motors unveiled its latest generation of sports utility vehicles, the Safari and the Harrier on October 17. The Safari is an upgraded version of the previous model and is equipped with a range of features, such as seven airbags, as standard. The introductory price of the Safari and Harrier is Rs 16,19 lakh and Rs 15,49 lakh respectively.

Also Read | Revamped and ready to roar: Tata Motors launches facelifted Harrier and Safari with stunning upgrades

During the launch, Tata Motors MD Shailesh Chandra said the Centre and state governments should take measures to improve the country’s charging infrastructure, as he spoke about the company's upcoming products and strategy.